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Tuesday, 12 December 2017

Council leader salutes staff as icy blast grips borough

Almost 1,000 tonnes of salt were used to treat Cheshire East’s roads over the weekend after heavy snow and freezing temperatures hit the borough.

Snow began to fall in Cheshire East on Friday, with much of it seen in the south and west, as well as on high ground.

Since then, highways teams have been working round the clock to keep the network moving and have continually been monitoring the weather conditions.

On Saturday, highways teams carried out four full treatments of the network and hand gritted in town centres. Yesterday, treatments were carried out in the morning and afternoon, with four routes in the south receiving an additional treatment.

Highways teams also stepped in and ploughed along the A534, near the Bickerton Poacher, after a small number of vehicles became stuck in the snow.

Today, the network has already received one full treatment and all main routes are currently clear. Hand gritting is also being carried out in town centre and footpaths are being checked.

The council’s adverse weather desk has also been in action 24 hours a day over the weekend.

Councillor Rachel Bailey, leader of Cheshire East Council, “I’d like to thank staff for their hard work over the weekend in helping to tackle the effects of the heavy snow and freezing temperatures on our roads.

“While we’ve already used almost 1,000 tonnes of salt to treat the road network, we will be receiving fresh deliveries today and later this week and still have more than 4,000 tonnes in stock.

“Almost 750 miles of road are treated each time we grit but we cannot ensure that all roads will be clear of snow and ice. I therefore urge residents to take care in adverse driving conditions or when out walking.

“I’d also like to remind motorists that when we treat the road network, the salts are not fully effective until they are ‘activated’ by vehicles.”

The Met Office has advised that daylight temperatures across Cheshire East will be between 0C and -2C today, falling to between -4C and -10C overnight. Tuesday is expected to be another cold day.

Cllr Bailey added: “It was great to see so many families out enjoying the snow this weekend. However, it’s important to remember that not everyone copes well in cold weather, so keep in touch.

“Elderly friends, family members and neighbours may need extra help and support and I’d urge residents to check in on them where possible. A quick phone call could make all the difference to them.”

To keep up to date with gritting operations, or to view the gritting routes, follow Cheshire East highways on Twitter at: @CECHighways or visit: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/winter

The service can also be contacted on 0300 123 5020 for any enquiries or to report debris on roads and other hazards.